“Today, I come to share a bit about my educational journey, also known as graduation, and how the STEM program played a pivotal role during this transformative process.

In truth, ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a petroleum engineer because I heard that petroleum engineers earned a lot of money, and I was small and had the dream of being rich. The only path I saw at the time to become rich was to be a petroleum engineer. 

Determined to pursue my passion, I delved into the study of petroleum. I completed high school in Drilling and Production of Petroleum, gaining insights into the intricate workings of the oil industry. It was during this phase that my interest in the subject deepened. After high school, I entered petroleum college and studied the course: Research and Production of Petroleum. Throughout my education, I acquired extensive knowledge spanning the entire spectrum of the oil industry — from petroleum formation and exploration to production, refining, and distribution, encompassing both upstream and downstream phases. Thanks to God, I received a well-rounded education.

My educational journey not only contained further academic knowledge, but I gained experience working with colleagues, professors, and industry professionals. Throughout my graduation, I learned the value of teamwork irrespective of differences in race, religion, or sexual orientation. Additionally, I developed skills in project development, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protection requirements.

I’ve acquired many experiences in my career journey, and it’s difficult to choose just one or two to share.

Although my intended five-year education journey was extended to six due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thankfully, I successfully graduated last month (November 25). Today, I am a Petroleum Research and Production Engineer, once my childhood dream. I obtained 17 distinctions in my thesis defense with the theme *Proposal of strategies for preventing corrosion in the natural gas processing lines of the GS Lima Platform – Block 0, Takula Field (Angola).

One of the highlights of this year was my participation in the STEM GEN program. The courses helped me refine my knowledge of petroleum, especially in the areas of drilling and oil well control. These exceptional courses had advanced teaching methodology that allowed the student to enjoy and learn in the easiest way possible. With my STEM program participation, I was invited to serve as a STEM GEN Ambassador in Angola, to promote education in the oil industry in my country and worldwide. Today, I am grateful to be part of this team, and know that together we will conquer the world with STEM education.

OFFICIALLY A PETROLEUM ENGINEER,

CLÁUDIO CARDOSO”